Committing to be Fit–Better later than not at all

So I kinda missed the New Year’s resolution thing to get in shape. Actually it was on purpose and I am not sorry I waited.

Any Monday will do!

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to. It wasn’t that I thought I was in great shape. The reason I delayed is because I knew I would fail. I was not ready to commit to it. My older daughter was heading to France and my younger daughter back to college within a week of each other. I knew with those demands and deadlines in place I wouldn’t be able to keep up with eating well and exercise. So I chose to wait.

You know when you are ready…and when you are not!

I gave myself a date to prepare mentally so I could go at this with a committed heart and mind. Also so my husband was aware of potential changes in eating and activity. It is so important if you can get your family on board with your plan, even if they choose not to participate.

My deadline to start was Monday February 23. I got my plan in place with the first week just getting back in the routine of planning to be active and more conscious of my eating. This way I can see where my short comings are and work on improving specific things next week.

Take all the steps you need to get where you want to go…including changing the plan as needed.

Food Journaling is a great thing to do when you are looking for patterns. From past experience I knew Sparkpeople was what I needed. It has all kinds of tracking options from food and fitness to dietary needs. And its FREE! I know other places like Weight Watchers have online services but you are paying for something you might not use. Maybe its just me but I never enjoyed sitting in a meeting hearing things I already knew just to make use of the weekly fee.

I use a general planner for the week so I can jot down work and meal plans; a work sheet of sorts. Sometimes what happens looks nothing like I plan but at least I made a plan to be prepared.

Something you also can do to keep you motivated is buy your self a reward or two and earn it by keeping on track. I was able get all my rewards on sale at TJMaxx (my favorite place for fitness clothing) and Kohls (sale + 20% off). I will get one item for each week I stay committed, not whether I lose weight.

Planning your rewards keeps you motivated!

Weight loss- or lack there of- does not equal committing to a goal. You can bust your butt and not lose weight. A better way to measure progress is by how your clothes fit. Muscle takes up less space than fat does but both weigh the same. Measure your body prior to starting and then every week or so.

Need more motivation and accountability? Find a fitness buddy or someone willing to remind you (with your permission) that you are working toward a goal of being healthy. Gentle reminders and encouragement, not criticism are perfect for keeping each other going.

Reality versus desire?

Okay– so check back next week to see how it went. Share with me your insights, suggestions and comments.

The images here, except my own, were found on Google images. My thanks to their creators! (Please claim them if they are yours!)